Joby is a California-based company that develops electric air taxis for commercial passenger service.
The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines – which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic – to launch service in the US and UK.
Virgin Atlantic and Joby’s electric air taxis to launch in the UK
The partnership aims to offer seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK, starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
What to expect from an electric air taxi
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph.
Journeys in the UK could include a 15-minute flight from Manchester Airport to Leeds or an 8-minute journey from Heathrow Airport to Canary Wharf, instead of 80 minutes by car.
Over time, Joby expects to build a network of landing locations that offer rapid and convenient travel around cities and communities throughout the UK. It expects to offer prices that are comparable with existing premium ground ridesharing options at launch.
The partnership means Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website and other channels.
Joby’s electric air taxi has six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically with a fraction of the noise produced by today’s helicopters.
The aircraft is optimized for rapid, back-to-back flights and is expected to be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles.
Joby has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flights to airports and cities throughout the UK.
“We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”
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JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, said: “Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers is unparalleled and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the UK.
“Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between UK towns and cities.”
Joby exhibited its aircraft for the first time in the UK at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.
In July 2022, it announced that it formally applied to have its aircraft validated for use by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
